Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown recently shared his experience while playing with a Hall of Famer, Hines Ward. The two were playing together during the 2010 season after a late 6th round selection by the franchise. AB was happy about being drafted to the league and backed himself to become the Steelers’ primary wideout.

During his appearance on the Cigar Talk podcast, Brown opens up about his confidence in taking over eventually from Ward.

He states, “I’m trying to tell him, ‘Hurry up and get out the way [laughs].’ I’m trying to pave my own time. But just grateful to be around him and learn the intangibles of what made him great…At that point — Hines Ward was not the same guy I looked at in college … It’s my time, I’m going to take his spot.“

AB shares how he realized that it was time for him to stamp his authority and show his talents. He states how he bided his time as the backup on the roster and took on every opportunity that presented itself. The supreme confidence from Brown was not at all misplaced as he was able to show his qualities to the Steelers.

Antonio Brown knew what he could do with the Steelers when he got drafted

Ward was a trailblazer for the Steelers before Brown became part of the organization. The legendary Steelers wideout set multiple team records that include all-time receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches. But by the time Brown entered the league, Ward was on the decline, and it was an opportunity AB was not going to pass.

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Brown was able to quickly establish himself as ‘the man’ in Pittsburgh as he set the standard. According to AB, he was only looking forward to taking care of business on the field and being a good professional.

He believes that any player aiming to be a leader needs to be responsible and instill discipline in himself over time. 

While Brown wasn’t able to continue with the team for very long, his contributions on the field can’t be disputed. The 2022 NFL campaign will be a season that might not feature Brown. But he appears determined to make a comeback soon to again play in an NFL jersey. 

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